And did this transpire in 1914? Or did Israel become a nation in 1948? I fail to see a connection between the two dates.
On page 77 of The Times Is At Hand under "Times of the Gentiles" is what Russell expected to happen in 1914:
"Fourthly, It will prove that from that time forward Jerusalem shall no longer be trodden down of the Gentiles, but shall arise from the dust of divine disfavor, to honor; because the 'Times of the Gentiles' will be fulfilled or completed.
"Fifthly, It will prove that by that date, or sooner, Israel's blindness will begin to be turned away..."
So by 1914 Russell expected Israel to become a nation and its conversion. The first part didn't happen until 1948 and the second part is still not fulfilled.
What, then, is so significant about the scriptural date of 1914?
You still haven't told me what significantly happened in 1914.